Since joining Levi Strauss & Co. in 2011, President and CEO Chip Bergh has quickly built not only his own reputation as a stand-out leader in the industry, but also established a top-notch team that has driven the company’s incredible comeback story.
It is this work that has earned Chip this year’s biggest honor bestowed by the National Retail Federation – The Visionary 2019, an award given each year to an outstanding leader with a proven track record of orchestrating change in the industry. Former Visionary award recipients include Nike Chairman, President and CEO Mark Parker and Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon.
“Returning an iconic American company back to growth and the center of culture is only possible when you have a team with shared vision and values,” Bergh said. “We believe that the role business plays in the world today is far greater than just delivering a profit – it’s about taking responsibility for tackling the important societal issues of our time and having the courage to take a stand. I’m incredibly proud of the work this team has done to set a higher bar for others to follow.”
The award will be presented during the fifth annual NRF Foundation Gala this Sunday, Jan. 13, in New York City.
“Retail has been and remains one of the most dynamic industries in the world. To succeed, retail leaders must have passion, commitment, vision and an understanding of how this business impacts the diversity of their customers in communities large and small. Chip is one of those exceptional leaders who brings everything together seamlessly and succeeds by growing his business with the latest technologies,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
In addition to crediting Chip’s leadership for the company’s tremendous turnaround, he was also recognized for his commitment to strategically seizing opportunities for growth, pushing the envelope on sustainability and championing innovation that has been instrumental in returning Levi’s to its iconic glory.
“Throughout, Chip has stayed true to the culture, keeping a firm grip on the pulse of his customers but constantly seeking out new and better ways to meet the demands of next generation Levi loyalists, and pioneering with a sense of servant leadership that inspires his employees, his customers and other business leaders,” Matthew said.
